The Vaal Dam has surged from a worrying 24.3% to a life-saving 50.53% in just a week, thanks to heavy rains – bringing hope and relief to millions who depend on it.

Vaal, South Africa (18 January 2025) – Residents of Gauteng and beyond can breathe a sigh of relief as the Vaal Dam, a critical water source for millions, has surged from a worrying 24.3% last week to an encouraging 50.53%!

The remarkable rise is thanks to heavy rains sweeping across Gauteng and several other provinces, including North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson Wisane Mavasa explained the situation, highlighting the significance of this boost.

“We are now clear of the risk for the Vaal Dam dropping below its minimum operating level of 18%.”

For months, the dam had been in a dire state, experiencing a steady decline due to scorching temperatures, which led to higher evaporation rates and scarce rainfall in the Vaal catchment area. At its lowest point in December, levels plummeted to almost 20%, even exposing underwater grave sites — a haunting reminder of the crisis.

Now, the tides have turned and the dam is on the rise.

Mavasa added, “The current dam level is now plotting above 50% and there is a good inflow because of recent rainfall in the catchment. There is, therefore, no more a need for water release from Sterkfontein Dam to support Vaal Dam.”

While this is undoubtedly good news, it’s essential to remember that water is still a precious and finite resource. The improvement doesn’t mean we can abandon our efforts to conserve it.

Here are a few simple ways to save water:

• Fix leaks: Even a dripping tap can waste litres of water over time.
• Turn off the tap: Don’t let it run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
• Harvest rainwater: Install a rainwater tank to collect water for garden use.
• Reuse greywater: Water from washing machines or basins can be used to water plants.
• Water wisely: Water gardens in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation.

While we celebrate this milestone, let’s continue to work together to preserve this vital resource and secure a sustainable water future for South Africa. Every drop truly makes a difference.

Sources: Department of Water and Sanitation

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Beneath the surface of South Africa’s Vaal Dam lies a hidden chapter of history, one that resurfaces only when the waters retreat – an underwater grave site.

Vaal, South Africa (14 December 2024) – South Africa’s rich history often reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, it rises from beneath our feet – or, in this case, from under the waters of the Vaal Dam.

Every few years, when the dam’s water level drops significantly, an eerie yet fascinating sight emerges: an underwater grave site that tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and community.

And photos of these graves are going viral on social media again in 2024.

The underwater grave site is a remnant of life before the dam’s creation in the early 20th century. Built in 1938 to supply water to the growing Johannesburg region, the Vaal Dam submerged several farms and small settlements, along with their cemeteries.

The current drop in water levels, with the dam standing at just 26.5% capacity as of 9 December 2024, has uncovered the grave site for the first time since November 2020. Before that, the graves were last exposed in November 2016, when the dam hit a record low of 26.3%.

Why Are Water Levels So Low?

The decline in the dam’s capacity is due to a combination of factors. A particularly dry summer with scorching temperatures has accelerated evaporation. Additionally, maintenance on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project—a crucial source of water for the dam—has reduced inflows. Experts believe that climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and a lack of adequate rainfall in the Vaal catchment area have also played significant roles.

Despite the visible effects of the drought, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured South Africans that there’s no immediate cause for concern.

The Sterkfontein Dam, a reserve water supply, is ready to bolster the system should the Vaal Dam’s level drop below 18%. However, the DWS continues to urge responsible water use, highlighting that every drop saved helps to ease the strain on our systems.

Why This Story is a Good Thing

The reappearance of the grave site serves as a powerful reminder of our shared history. It’s a moment to reflect on the ingenuity and determination that shaped South Africa’s water infrastructure while also paying respect to the lives and stories now intertwined with this dam.

This moment also brings an opportunity for education. The visible graves have sparked discussions about water conservation, climate resilience, and the impact of human activity on natural resources. It’s a chance for communities to unite in efforts to preserve and protect the water that sustains us all.

These graves have withstood decades of submersion, and their reappearance reminds us of the resilience that defines South Africa’s people and landscapes.

In the spirit of optimism, let’s use this moment to recommit to sustainable water use, celebrate the progress we’ve made in managing our resources, and honour the history revealed by the waters of the Vaal Dam. Together, we can ensure that future generations will also marvel at the stories that connect us to our past.

Sources: Department of Water and Sanitation | Africa Check 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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